Antiquing in Tennessee

Can I just say how much I abhor air travel these days. It is truly uncomfortable and tedious in about every way. BUT to start the day in California and end up 2,500 miles away in Tennessee is wonderful.

I woke up to a beautiful first morning, showered off the airplane grime and enjoyed coffee with my brother and dad. Later my brother took me antiquing.

And what fun, but honestly everything I wanted to buy was too big, too breakable, too expensive or just not worth it–and that’s usually the case. Yes, you can find things to resell at antique stores (I have before), but it’s not easy, especially if you have limited knowledge in many areas like me! It’s a challenge.

Here are a few things I REJECTED…

I found this vintage brass chicken napkin/letter holder for $14. It was heavy, with slotted screws, though a bit primitive. Kinda cute, but I said no because I just didn’t think it had enough profit margin left.

Later I looked up current listings and found many for sale with a wide range of prices. Could I have made money with it? Maybe. But I’m glad I didn’t buy it.

I do look out for vintage brass items, particularly if they are nicely rendered, but they have to be cheap! I spotted a small quail, which is fairly common, but it was $59. Yikes. I knew that was overpriced. Later I checked some current listings and found prices were all over the place. Of course quality, condition and age are factors, but on eBay these typically sell in the $15 to $29 range. Will one sell for $165 on Etsy?? Possibly….

This clay mask with a primitive look was fun and only $5, but it was a newer piece and the aging was fake.

Later I found this exact (unsold) version of this mask on eBay.

At another store I found what looked like a large vintage woven tablecloth (sadly I forgot to take a photo) but it was in a pretty rather unusual pattern. No information was given as to age, fabric content, maker, size or price. It had several holes, including one about 3″ by 3″ but I thought it would make a nice “cutter” piece for pillows. I asked for a price and the salesclerk called the dealer and I was quoted $100 with a 20% discount. Oh dear. $80. I was expecting $10 or $15. Without knowing anything about the fabric I can’t imagine anyone paying that price, particularly with that damage. So that was a big no.

So in the end we visited three stores and the only thing I bought was a little folly for myself–a rather worn 1940s/50s tin party noisemaker that I fancied.

But on the plus side I didn’t waste money. On a February trip to Napa Valley one of the antique store items I bought was a misstep. I thought it might be more than silver plate and it wasn’t. When it sells, with the Etsy fees I’ll lose money! Sadly that happens.

So this trip I’m being much more cautious…prudent…cheap!

But maybe I’ll find something yet in Tennessee.

Happy hunting,

Karen